Sète

Major seaport and holiday resort on the Mediterranean coast of France, in Hérault département, southwest of Montpellier and separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon; population (1990) 41,916. It was founded in 1666 as an outlet for the Canal du Midi, and handles fish, wine, and chemicals; there are oil refineries, shipyards, and metallurgical works in the area.

The poet, essayist and critic Paul Valéry was born here in 1871 and is buried here. The museum named after him has a notable collection of paintings.